ARUGULA

Geek talk: Eruca vesicaria

But we talk: Salad rocket, roquette, rucola, rugula, colewort

Description: Commonly used in salads and even referred to as salad rocket, arugula has a very similar appearance to lettuce only with longer leaves. Typically eaten raw, smaller arugula leaves tend to have a milder taste while the larger leaves have more of a peppery kick added in. In addition to salads, arugula is also regularly prepared with eggs and even featured in pasta dishes. The plant itself is quick harvesting and will usually grow anywhere from 2-3 feet in height .

Kitchen Pharmacy: Arugula is rich with numerous anti-oxidants and is believed to help prevent certain forms of cancer. Arugula also is believed to benefit digestion and is helpful in treating ulcers. In addition, arugula is very beneficial to eyesight and may even help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.